Old Powder Disposal

Boots'56 · June 12, 2008, 10:11 PM

I have about a pound of 700-X that's close to 35 years old. What's the best way to get rid of it? Sprinkle it in the yard?

kamerer · June 12, 2008, 10:23 PM

I read a section of a Winchester book that recommended piling it loosely in a mound, trickle a line to it like an in old western, and light it. It will burn off easily. Remember, it's a "propellant" - not an explosive. It only causes a serious bang when under pressure - out in the open it just burns (I've tested this myself, not just a rumor!).

But seriously, if it's been stored properly, it should still be fine to use, unless you see it looking funky or smelling of ammonia. They are stable compounds with very long shelf-lives. If you seriously don't want it and are near by, heck, I'll try reloading it just for an experiment!

Shoney · June 12, 2008, 10:25 PM

If it still smells good, shoot it up. I have some that I purchased in 1966 and still dip into it on occasion.

If it has an acrid smell, just use it like you would fertilizer. Sprinkle it on lawn or garden.

Incognito · June 12, 2008, 10:44 PM

According to legend, the French taste for horse meat dates from the Battle of Eylau in 1807, when the surgeon-in-chief of Napoleon's Grand Army, Baron Dominique-Jean Larrey, advised the starving troops to eat the flesh of dead battlefield horses. The cavalry used breastplates as cooking pans and gunpowder as seasoning, and thus founded a tradition.

Let us know how it tastes.

Doyle · June 13, 2008, 07:47 AM

Sprinkle it all over your garden. The components make good fertilizer.

Sevens · June 13, 2008, 08:07 AM

Burning it in a pile works and is harmless enough, but don't burn it on any sidewalk or driveway you care about, because it will scorch it and leave a burn mark that will last a year or more.

Whenever I have leftover powder from a session or from pulled ammo (usually a dixie cup worth or less), I simply toss it in the yard.

But yeah-- if it's close to a pound, I would give it a go in some loads, it may very well still be good enough to use. I would stay away from maximum loads as it seems many/most powders were blended a little differently in days gone by.

armoredman · June 13, 2008, 09:58 AM

Goes on the trees.

The Lovemaster · June 13, 2008, 10:33 AM

Burn, baby, burn! There's no better and "funner" way to get rid of powder than to burn it! Especially a pound, sounds like fun!

Whisper 300 · June 13, 2008, 10:41 AM

Unless it smells of acrid ammonia, load up a few of whatever is appropriate and see what gives.
I too have uses Red Dot that was from the late 60's- the 38's I shot never knew the difference.

Gary

wncchester · June 13, 2008, 11:19 AM

Over 35? Does that mean I have to quit using my WWII surplus H-4831?

But, it shoots so GOOD!

Shoney · June 13, 2008, 11:19 AM

Quote:

electrikladyland wrote:
According to legend, the French taste for horse meat dates from the Battle of Eylau in 1807, when the surgeon-in-chief of Napoleon's Grand Army, Baron Dominique-Jean Larrey, advised the starving troops to eat the flesh of dead battlefield horses. The cavalry used breastplates as cooking pans and gunpowder as seasoning, and thus founded a tradition.

Remember that gunpowder back then was sulphur, charcoal, and saltpeter! If the legend is true,
What do you suppose the effects of the saltpeter was on the virility of the troupes??????????

Did this practice ultimately lead to the defeat of the French forces?????????????

Additionally, if it continued, might that explain why Hitler’s invasion was unopposed?????????

DEDON45 · June 13, 2008, 12:05 PM

My stepdad used a very old lot of Unique to light the grill a few times...

Spread it in the yard ... if it's turned... if not, load it up.

June 12, 2008, 10:11 PM	#1
Boots'56 Member Join Date: January 29, 2008 Location: The Pacific Northwest Posts: 38	Old Powder Disposal I have about a pound of 700-X that's close to 35 years old. What's the best way to get rid of it? Sprinkle it in the yard?

June 12, 2008, 10:25 PM	#3
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	If it still smells good, shoot it up. I have some that I purchased in 1966 and still dip into it on occasion. If it has an acrid smell, just use it like you would fertilizer. Sprinkle it on lawn or garden. __________________ I pledge allegiance to the Flag - - -, and to the Republic for which it stands….Our Forefathers were brilliant for giving us a Republic, not a democracy! Do you know the difference??? and WHY?http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissue...les.asp?id=111

June 12, 2008, 10:44 PM	#4
Incognito Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 370	According to legend, the French taste for horse meat dates from the Battle of Eylau in 1807, when the surgeon-in-chief of Napoleon's Grand Army, Baron Dominique-Jean Larrey, advised the starving troops to eat the flesh of dead battlefield horses. The cavalry used breastplates as cooking pans and gunpowder as seasoning, and thus founded a tradition. Let us know how it tastes. Last edited by Incognito; June 13, 2008 at 12:00 AM.

June 13, 2008, 08:07 AM	#6
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	Burning it in a pile works and is harmless enough, but don't burn it on any sidewalk or driveway you care about, because it will scorch it and leave a burn mark that will last a year or more. Whenever I have leftover powder from a session or from pulled ammo (usually a dixie cup worth or less), I simply toss it in the yard. But yeah-- if it's close to a pound, I would give it a go in some loads, it may very well still be good enough to use. I would stay away from maximum loads as it seems many/most powders were blended a little differently in days gone by. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

June 12, 2008, 10:23 PM	#2
kamerer Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2007 Location: Way west Posts: 481	I read a section of a Winchester book that recommended piling it loosely in a mound, trickle a line to it like an in old western, and light it. It will burn off easily. Remember, it's a "propellant" - not an explosive. It only causes a serious bang when under pressure - out in the open it just burns (I've tested this myself, not just a rumor!). But seriously, if it's been stored properly, it should still be fine to use, unless you see it looking funky or smelling of ammonia. They are stable compounds with very long shelf-lives. If you seriously don't want it and are near by, heck, I'll try reloading it just for an experiment!

June 13, 2008, 07:47 AM	#5
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	Sprinkle it all over your garden. The components make good fertilizer.

June 13, 2008, 09:58 AM	#7
armoredman Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,299	Goes on the trees.

June 13, 2008, 10:33 AM	#8
The Lovemaster Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 416	Burn, baby, burn! There's no better and "funner" way to get rid of powder than to burn it! Especially a pound, sounds like fun!

June 13, 2008, 10:41 AM	#9
Whisper 300 Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2006 Posts: 155	Unless it smells of acrid ammonia, load up a few of whatever is appropriate and see what gives. I too have uses Red Dot that was from the late 60's- the 38's I shot never knew the difference. Gary

June 13, 2008, 11:19 AM	#10
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	Over 35? Does that mean I have to quit using my WWII surplus H-4831? But, it shoots so GOOD!

June 13, 2008, 12:05 PM	#12
DEDON45 Senior Member Join Date: March 24, 2008 Posts: 278	My stepdad used a very old lot of Unique to light the grill a few times... Spread it in the yard ... if it's turned... if not, load it up.